Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Introduction

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the smoothness of crème brûlée with the fun of cupcakes. These little delights have a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a creamy vanilla filling. The best part? You can enjoy the classic caramelized sugar topping that makes crème brûlée so irresistible!

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes. First, they are super delicious and make a fantastic dessert for any occasion. Second, they are pretty easy to prepare, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Finally, they are a beautiful dessert to impress your friends and family with that crunchy topping and creamy filling.

How to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well and press about 1 tablespoon into each cupcake liner.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Pour cheesecake batter into each crust, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set. Let cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar on each cupcake and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until amber.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served chilled. You can place them on a nice serving platter to show off their beautiful tops. Feel free to serve them with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch!

How to Store Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

You can store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just wait to caramelize the sugar on top until you are ready to serve them.

Tips to Make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes

Make sure your cream cheese is softened well to avoid lumps in your batter.
When caramelizing the sugar, move the torch continuously to avoid burning it.
For a stronger vanilla flavor, use more vanilla bean seeds or a bit more vanilla extract.

Variation

You can add some lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing twist or swap the vanilla bean with a chocolate filling for a different flavor entirely.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake and refrigerate the cupcakes a day in advance. Just add the caramelized sugar before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! You can use crushed Oreos or shortbread cookies as a base instead of graham crackers for a different flavor.

Q: Is it possible to make these without a kitchen torch?
A: Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Place them under the broiler until the sugar is caramelized.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cupcakes!